Busy, Busy, Busy……

Progress on my Lego Devastator is grand! This is complete through step 654. I expect it to be done before June ends.

I have also been testing out my shoulder with knit and crochet. This is the Rolling Ripple Blankie (a free pattern from Mary Maxim) that I started over 3 years ago. I used one ball of Caron Jumbo, a worsted weight (4) acrylic. I’m pretty sure it is color Green Meadows. It only needed a few rows to make it a finish. The size is perfect for stroller or car seat, a great Project Linus pattern. This one is going to my grandkitty, Wolfenstein.

I am also trying to get a finish with my Raindrop cross stitch project. This was another free project, this time from Charting Creations. Yes, I love freebies!

There are less than 1,000 stitches to complete this project. So close….

Summer is here and since we are super hot it’s a great time to get inside an air conditioned pharmacy or vaccine center and get your Covid vaccine. Stay safe!!

DA DA DA DA DA DUM DA DA DUM …..

The Imperial March is the only possible introduction into the progress I’ve made on the Devastator!

Steps 1 through 526 (out of 1015) are complete. I am currently working on parts bags labeled 13 (out of 19).

This ship model is huge and I have no clue where I will put it when it is done! The details are amazing but I am also impressed with the structural stability.

I will continue on at my slow pace and plan to have it finished it sometime in June.

Stay safe and get your covid vaccine.

Have a safe, thoughtful and fun Memorial Day!

Stitching By My Mom

I learned many skills from my mom. It was unusual to see see her seated without a project in her hands. She taught me to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider. I was not always the best student but she taught me a true appreciation of hand crafted items.

I love to try different crafting ideas. In 1981 I was encouraged to try counted cross stitch while looking for new project at Lee Wards. I was hooked!

Soon after that I was visiting my mom and brought my stitching. Even though she thought she couldn’t possibly get the hang of counted cross stitch, she decided to give it a try. She was the most prolific stitcher I’ve ever known. I have about 20 pieces, my sisters probably have about 50 each… countless additional pieces were gifted to family and friends.

These are a few of the pieces that she stitched.

Mom’s PB Moss Wall

There are three stitched pieces and three prints on this will. Top left is “Sisters” by PB Moss, it is stitched on linen.

Top center is “The Newborn” by PB Moss, it is stitched on linen.

Bottom center is “Apple Girl” by PB Moss, it is stitched on Fiddler’s Cloth.

The other pieces in the main photo are PB Moss prints.

Thanks Mom!!

Star Wars Lego and Raindrop Stitching

I don’t know which project I’m most excited about, finishing my raindrop or building the star destroyer!

I have started a new Lego, it is the Ultimate Collector Series 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer. There are 4,784 pieces used to create this fabulous model. This is the Devastator, the Starship from the opening scene of the original Star Wars movie aka Star Wars: A New Hope. I am a super slow builder and expect it to take me at least a few months.

One box opened, there are four boxes in total.

Steps 1 to 31 completed.

The raindrop cross stitch is over 93% complete.  I have made plenty of adjustments to make things match up. Stitching this style is fun without the stress of having to be super accurate.  My photograph is not even close to the actual color and I have not been able to figure out how to correct it. I am stitching one over one on 22 count cream hardanger fabric using DMC 3844 (dark bright turquoise).

It might be finished this week and that means I need to decide on the next project. Decisons, decisions…..

Stay safe and wear a mask.

Boba Fett and Raindrop Stitching

I finished up Boba Fett from Lego a couple of weeks ago! It was a fun build and it really looks great!

All of my stitching time has been with the Raindrop. I am using Pattern Keeper for the first time and wonder why I waited so long to try it.  It is wonderful! The pattern is 16,474 stitches and I am at just over 75% with 12,704 stitches complete. I’m hoping to finish before April.

Boba Fett from Lego

This is the start of the Boba Fett Helmet. There are five bags and this is with the pieces from bag one complete. It is going to look great!

I also continued on with the Raindrop cross stitch from Charting Creations. It’s just over half way complete.

She’s Done! Ann Roberts is Complete!

Today I finished the stitching on Ann Roberts from Hands Across The Sea Samplers. This beautiful sampler was a kit I received from my children for Christmas 2019. I am not the best at finishing things so I am super happy about this finish.

Ann is stitched on 40 count Weeks Dye Works Zweigart linen (color straw) using soie d’alger silks from Au Ver A Soie. I stitched in hand because of my shoulder issues and am quite pleased with the results. I hope to stitch my next project on a frame since it is both faster and my tension is a bit more even.

What is the next project? I have not decided on my next stitching project but up next is a Christmas 2020 present …

Boba Fett, Lego kit #75277 – photo from the Lego website

This is part of the Star Wars series from Lego. It should be a fun build at 625 pieces.

Stay safe, wear a mask!

Getting So Close …. Ann Roberts Update

What happened to January? It’s hard to get my head around the fact that the month is already over and this is my first post of the year. I will blame it on Covid-19.

As usual my stitching time has been limited, not just from my shoulder but also by additional hours at work. I work at a Covid-19 immunizing pharmacy and it is a privilege and challenge. The relief that patients feel to be getting their immunization is gratifying but on the flip side are all of the people that are desperate to get their shot that I can’t help.

Stitching is great therapy …

Ann Roberts as of 24 January 2021

I was really hoping that I would be finished in January but I don’t see that as a possibility so my new goal is Valentines Day.

Don’t forget to wear a mask.

Building the Fleet – Razor Crest is Complete!

Are you caught up on the Mandalorian? If not, skip the next paragraph!!

So…. a little late posting since the Razor Crest was blown to smithereens earlier this season. It’s almost a little nostalgic. This is my Lego build completed a couple of weeks ago but I forgot to post it.

Razor Crest – Lego

Ann Roberts is continues to come along nicely. This is my current progress.

Ann Roberts Reproduction Sampler from Hands Across the Sea Samplers

I am officially on vacation! My plans include Christmas, stitching, Christmas, Legos, and New Years. All activities will happen in my happy little home.

The next Lego build will be the Imperial Star Destroyer… it will be fabulous!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May whatever holiday you celebrate be joyful.

Stay safe and wear a mask!

Ann Roberts and More 2021 Projects

This is Ann Roberts at about the half way point.

More projects that I would like to work on in 2021…

Jane Fiddes by Hands Across the Sea Samplers

Christus Pantokrator by Thea Gouverneur

Boo to You by Shepherd’s Bush

Ehrman Creation Series Day 1

Japanese Hiragana Sampler by Modern Folk Embroidery

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Dimensions

It remains clear that I need more hours in the day.

Please wear a mask, wash your hands and try to maintain social distancing…. the vaccine will be available soon!